Hunting African Lions...

More food for thought from my brother. I had no idea lions were so close to gone. Feel free to comment on the site, positive or negative. Enjoy.

http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/adventure/2012/12/should-trophy-hunting-of-lions-be-banned/

Disagree that ESA listing is the correct approach.  Saharan Lions are not endemic to north america, and are not a resource that relates whataoever to our national heritage (aside from the safari hunting teddy roosevelt thing).  Cant put the lion in the same class w the spotted owl simply bc they  both have diminished numbers.  ?ESA prolly doesnt have extra territorial reach so its the wrong tool. 

ESA should be made in USA only. 

I'm all for banning hunting of Lions, IF its really needed. The article quotes "Defenders of Animals," they are an animal rights group. Most of the countrys that have a huge declining lion (or any other huntable animal) also don't allow hunting and/or aren't safe to go to. Without hunters paying big money for a safari, no one cares or trys to protect any of the game animals. Safari Club International is one of the only sourses that you can get truthful info on game animals around the world. Yes, they are a hunter focus group, but they have proven themselves as true defenders of animals, by encouraging and sponsoring sound sciece to manage game. One of the bigggest killers of lions today is cattle ranchers. They poison them to protect their herds. Again, not as much in areas where hunting is allowed and encouraged. Just like alot of the exotic hunts, many poeople can't get past the emotional conection and just agree "no hunting." Just my 2 cents.

BTW, I just ralized I was on my sons page, so blast away at Snapperhead!!

I'm all for banning hunting of Lions, IF its really needed.

But how do we know if it's really needed? Do we wait to see if they go extinct in 20 years, or do we get proactive and take stronger measures now? I know the term "proactive measures" reeks of MLPA-type laws, shutting down fisheries when there's no clear reason, but in some cases I'd say it's a good thing.

Well said dad couldnt have said it better my self Snapperhead

My thought is... Are you gonna eat it? if not why shoot it... Eco tourism has proven to be an economically superior use of the Animal resource. I can't think of any reasons other than To eat it, self preservation or To protect live stock/pets, for me to shoot an African lion or any animal. Not in my make up to simply sport shoot an animal. I do hunt and eat my kills. If the Governments/people, in Africa could stabilize and promote Safe Eco-tourism. They would be flooded with money to support people and a better standard of living. As is, I wouldn't go there....... Not even to fish.......

If you shoot any animal in africa you can eat as much as you want while you are there but your not allowed to bring any meat outside of the country. The rest of the meat goes to a local tribe so they can eat it. That has always been my understanding and anyone should know the tribes do not waste anything from the animal.